Ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries that affects both athletes and people in their daily lives.
It occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden movement, such as a twist or fall.
This injury can range from a mild stretch to a complete tear of the ligaments.
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
Symptoms of an ankle sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
The most common include:
- Intense pain: The pain is usually immediate and localized on the outside or inside of the ankle.
It may be aggravated by attempting to move or put weight on the affected foot. - Swelling: Swelling is another key symptom.
It can appear quickly after injury and is often accompanied by bruising. - Bruising: More severe sprains may cause bruising around the ankle due to internal bleeding.
- Instability: In more severe cases, the ankle may feel unstable, as if it cannot support the weight of the body.
- Difficulty walking: Walking can be painful or even impossible in cases of moderate to severe sprains.
Causes of Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains usually occur when the foot is twisted inward or outward, causing the ligaments to be stretched beyond their normal capacity.
Common causes include:
- High Impact Sports: Activities that involve running, jumping or sudden changes of direction, such as soccer, basketball or tennis, are the main causes of ankle sprains.
- Irregular Surfaces: Walking or running on uneven surfaces increases the risk of accidental ankle sprains.
- Inadequate Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support can contribute to ankle instability and increase the risk of sprains.
- History of Previous Sprains: If you have previously sprained your ankle, you are more likely to re-injure it due to residual weakness in the ligaments.
Treatment of Ankle Sprain
Treatment of ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury, but the most common methods include:
- RICE protocol:
- Rest: It is essential to avoid putting weight on the injured ankle to allow the ligaments to recover.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Using an elastic bandage or compressive bandage can help control swelling.
- Elevation: Keeping the ankle elevated above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling.
- Immobilization: In more severe cases, it may be necessary to immobilize the ankle with a splint or orthopedic boot to limit motion and allow the ligaments to heal.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Once the initial swelling has subsided, physical therapy is essential to restore ankle mobility, strength and stability.
Balance and strengthening exercises help prevent future injuries. - Surgery: In extremely severe cases, where ligaments are completely torn or stability is not achieved with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged ligaments.
Ankle Sprain Prevention
Preventing future ankle sprains is possible through a series of preventive measures:
- Muscle Strengthening: Performing exercises that strengthen the muscles around the ankle and leg can provide better support to the joint and reduce the risk of sprains.
- Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes that provide good arch and ankle support is crucial, especially during sports or activities that involve sudden movements.
- Balance Training: Improving balance through specific exercises can help prevent sprains and strains.
- Caution When Walking on Irregular Surfaces: It is important to be cautious when walking or running on uneven terrain to avoid accidental twisting of the ankle.
Conclusion
Ankle sprain is a common injury that, if not treated properly, can lead to long-term complications.
Recognizing the symptoms, seeking a professional diagnosis and following a proper treatment plan are essential steps to a full recovery.
Prevention is key, and adopting measures such as muscle strengthening, proper footwear and caution on uneven surfaces can help avoid future injuries.
At Clínica San Román, we offer specialized care for the treatment and rehabilitation of ankle sprains, helping our patients regain mobility and avoid relapses.
